Geological engineering

Geological engineering is a subfield of engineering that focuses on the application of geological science and engineering concepts to a variety of different sectors, including but not limited to civil engineering, mining, environmental engineering, and forestry, to name just a few. The work of geological engineers often directs or provides support for the work of other engineering disciplines. For example, geological engineers conduct studies in geology, geoenvironment, geophysics, and geotechnical fields in order to determine whether or not a location is suitable for civil engineering, environmental engineering, mining operations, or oil and gas projects. Geological engineers also help determine whether or not a location is suitable for oil and gas projects. They are engaged in the process of conducting impact studies for facilities and activities that have an effect on both the surface and the subsurface environments. It is common for the engineering design input and other suggestions provided by geological engineers on these projects to have a significant influence on the building and operations phases of the projects. Acquisition of geotechnical, geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, and environmental data is one of the many tasks that geological engineers are responsible for planning, designing, and implementing. This includes techniques such as manual ground-based procedures, deep drilling, sophisticated geophysical techniques, geochemical sampling, and satellite surveying. All of these approaches are ground-based. Geological engineers are concerned with the study of past and future ground behaviour, mapping at all scales, and ground characterisation programmes for particular engineering needs. In addition, geological engineers are concerned with mapping at all scales. These studies lead geological engineers to make recommendations and create reports that might have important implications on the foundations of building, mining, and civil engineering projects. These analyses also lead geological engineers to make these recommendations and generate these reports. Rock excavation, building foundation consolidation, pressure grouting, hydraulic channel erosion control, slope and fill stabilisation, landslide risk assessment, groundwater monitoring, and evaluation and remediation of pollution are some examples of projects that might be undertaken. In addition, geological engineers are members of the design teams that come up with solutions to surface hazards, groundwater remediation, underground and surface excavation projects, and resource management strategies. Geological engineers, much like mining engineers, are responsible for conducting resource exploration campaigns, mine appraisal and feasibility evaluations, as well as making contributions to the continuing efficiency, sustainability, and safety of current mining operations.

Degree programmes leading to a post-secondary education in geological engineering are available at a number of institutions throughout the globe, the majority of which are located in North America. Geological engineers often get degrees that combine courses in geology or Earth sciences with engineering studies as part of their curriculum. A bachelor's degree in geological engineering from an institution that is recognised for its academic rigour is necessary in order to work as a geological engineer professionally. It is possible that a Master's degree or perhaps a Doctorate in a field of engineering that is relevant will be necessary for certain employment. After receiving these degrees, a person who wishes to work as a professional geological engineer is required to go through the process of becoming licenced by a professional association or regulatory body in their respective jurisdiction. This can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the organisation.